Definition of PREPOSSESS

prepossess

Meanings

Verb

  • possess beforehand
  • cause to be preoccupied
    • "The idea of his failure prepossesses him"
  • make a positive impression (on someone) beforehand
    • "A prepossessing appearance"
  • influence (somebody's) opinion in advance
  • Chiefly followed by by or with: to preoccupy (someone) in an emotional or mental way, so as to preclude other things.
  • To cause (someone) to have a previous inclination against, for, or to something; to bias or prejudice; specifically, to induce in (someone) a favourable opinion beforehand, or at the outset.
  • To cause (someone) to think a certain way.
  • To occupy or possess (something) beforehand.
  • Chiefly followed by of or with: to cause (oneself) to obtain possession of something beforehand, or ahead of someone else.

Origin / Etymology

From pre- (prefix meaning ‘before, earlier in time’) + possess.
Cognates
* Late Latin prepossessus (“seized beforehand”)

Synonyms

prejudice

Scrabble Score: 14

prepossess is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
prepossess is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
prepossess is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

prepossess is a valid Words With Friends word